Within Greek and Roman mythology, Apollo is recognized as one of the most complex and important figures, the God of Music, Healing, Sun, Light, Poetry, Truth, Prophecy, and more. For a band like Apollo Under Fire, who root their message in the Spirit and its purpose to the soul, this was a concept that immediately took hold, and has manifested into a musical collaboration worthy of the Gods themselves. In a day and age where the distractions of the World are many, AUF is a band that strives to reach the soul, and with their self-titled debut record, chances are good they will hit their mark.
Spending the last 2 decades individually soul-searching their way through the music industry, song by song, two of those paths crossed in 2013 when Donald Carpenter (SubmerseD, Eye Empire) met Peter Klett (Candlebox, Lotus Crush) at a Benefit they were both performing at in Orlando, FL for the Johnny Damon Foundation. The two immediately connected and sparked what would become the framework of Apollo Under Fire.
“It was honestly a really rough time for me and my family. I really had no idea what was next for us, and then this opportunity to start something new came along, it was exciting. And at that same, exact moment, I met (Drummer) Tom (Costanza). He is such a great person and talented musician. The universe was at work for sure.”
By the fall of 2014, DC, Peter and Tom began the recording process for their debut album at LaLa Mansion in Tampa, Florida with Peter at the helm. With record in hand and Bass tracks orchestrated by Adam Kury (Candlebox), the band rounded out the lineup with bassist Stu Cox, and local guitarist Jimmy Kwong of Soulswitch.
Says DC, “Right away, Stu was a great addition. His ability was there, that was clear, but his personality was a big selling point. He’s a positive, loving person with a big heart. I had played with Jimmy quite a few times during my Eye Empire years and always loved his personality and work ethic. It’s great to have a guy who can challenge you and contribute to the band on so many different levels.”
As an “original” member of chart-topping Rock band Candlebox for over 25 years, Peter’s signature sound and writing style, pounded into the collective musical conscience through timeless hits like “Far Behind” and “You”, (still staples on Rock radio to this day) shine bright on APOLLO UNDER FIRE, seamlessly blending with the soulful southern sprawl of vocalist Donald Carpenter. From the sparse, acoustic tones of “Wings” and “Gotta Believe”, to the grittier shades of “Refuse” and “One Track Mind”, AUF effortlessly toes the line between their shared Seattle and Southern lineage, as dark and inflective as it is celebratory, as instantly familiar as it is brand new. A spiritual dichotomy marked by a creative collaboration that appears to have been 25 years in the making.
With tracks from the album already starting to take hold at radio around the World, and the band gearing up to tour throughout 2016 and beyond, while this might be the first you’ve heard of Apollo Under Fire, it sure won’t be the last.
“Gotta Believe” – The 1st single from the self-titled debut record out NOW on iTunes and all other digital outlets!!
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/apollo-under-fire/id1120675442
Official Lyric Video for “Gotta Believe”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l72ey764Zhw
Apollo Under Fire Tour Dates:
8/19/2016 Seattle, WA @ Studio Seven
8/20/2016 Seattle, WA @ Hempfest
Apollo Under Fire is:
Donald Carpenter- Vocals
Peter Klett- Guitar
Jimmy Kwong- Guitar
Stu Cox- Bass
Tom Costanza- Drums